Food fests, theater, art and more: Here are 30+ top things to do in Los Angeles this November.
Edited by William Yelles.
“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol”
Oct. 30-Dec. 9. In this world-premiere adaptation, Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays breathes new life into the classic Christmas tale, turning it into a one-man show in which he plays Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim et al. See website for show times and ticket prices. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org
“Valley of the Heart”
Oct. 30-Dec. 9. Legendary playwright Luis Valdez (Zoot Suit) is behind this sweeping new epic—set amid the Great Depression and attack on Pearl Harbor—that explores the disconnect between America’s ideals and actions. See website for show times and ticket prices. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Old Pasadena Day of the Dead Weekend
Nov. 2-4. Numerous Old Pasadena businesses will create beautiful altars in their spaces to showcase during the self-guided Tour of Altars. The weekend also includes three Community Altars, a Salsa dance party with live music and calavera face painting, and pop-up weekend fun. See website for schedule and locations. Free. Throughout Old Pasadena, 626.356.9725. oldpasadena.org
Ice Presented by the Plaza at Santa Monica
Opens Nov. 3. This 8,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink in downtown Santa Monica brings holiday spirit to the beach. M-Th 2-10 p.m.; F 2 p.m.-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission, including skate rental, $15. 1324 Fifth St., Santa Monica, 310.260.1199. downtownsm.com
Grand Ave. Arts: All Access
Nov. 3. Now in its fourth year, this culture-filled event showcases some of the best aspects of the city’s arts scene. Over 10 of DTLA’s premier cultural institutions including the Broad, Central Library, Colburn School, Grand Park, L.A. Chamber Orchestra, L.A. Opera, L.A. Philharmonic, MOCA, the Music Center and REDCAT—open their doors to the public for free family-friendly activities, interactive workshops and tours. See website for full schedule. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Grand Ave. between Temple St. and Sixth St., L.A. grandavearts.org
Smorgasburg Meltdown at Santa Anita
Nov. 3. Smorgasburg LA returns to Santa Anita Park with a celebration of all things cheesy with multiple vendors showcasing their best ooey-gooey goodies at the racetrack. Find cheesy favorites like Big Mozz’s melty mozzarella sticks, decadent grilled cheese sandwiches and raclette from Cheezus, pizza bagels by Pop’s Bagels, a gruyere mac and cheese paratha quesadilla by Goa Taco, and more. 21+. Noon-4 p.m. $30-$110. 285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, 626.574.7223. santaanita.com
Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Nov. 3. The event includes speakers, entertainment, remembrance activities and a community resource fair. Proceeds benefit local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 9 a.m. Free. Pasadena Central Park, 275 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 888.333.2377. afsp.org
Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Blue Wave Tour
Nov. 3. Talk show host and author Stephanie Miller welcomes guests including Margaret Cho, John Fugelsang. Rob Reiner, Martin Sheen, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Congressman Adam Schiff. 8 p.m. See website for ticket prices. Saban Theater, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. sexyliberal.com
Complex-Con
Nov. 3-4. The third annual Complex-Con combines music, streetwear, food and art in a modern-youth-culture extravaganza. Organized by media company Complex Networks and hosted by Pharrell Williams and contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, the event expects to draw 50,000-plus attendees to its marketplace (offering exclusive sneaker drops, collabs and projects from more than 100 brands including Puma and G-Star); First We Feast Lagoon (featuring eateries like Alvin Cailan’s The Burger Show Pop Up and Jon & Vinny’s); music stages (headlined by Future and Rae Sremmurd); Art Zone; and ComplexCon(versations). 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $60-$300. Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. complexcon.com
Wonder Woman Run
Nov. 4. Participants are encouraged to harness their inner Wonder Woman and unleash the Super Hero within. The 5k and 10k races will start and finish at LA Live, with more than 5,000 participants dressed in bold and colorful, official DC Wonder Woman Run Series attire and other Super Hero costumes.The race concludes with a family-fun post-race party with live music by Flashback Heart Attack at Microsoft Square at LA Live. See website for entry fees. 7:30 a.m. 775 Chick Hearn Court, L.A. dcwonderwomanrun.com
“A Bronx Tale”
Nov. 6-25. This musical incarnation of Chazz Palminteri’s autobiographical one-man play and subsequent film is co-directed by Robert De Niro and features dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Beauty and the Beast songwriter Alan Menken. See website for show times and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
AFI Fest
Nov. 8-15. Presented by Audi, the American Film Institute’s annual film festival offers world-premiere screenings and events in the heart of Hollywood. On the Basis of Sex opens this year’s fest and Mary Queen of Scots is the film for the Closing Night Gala. See website for schedule and pass pricing. Screenings free. TCL Chinese Theatre Imax, 6925 Hollywood Blvd.; TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Third Floor; Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; The Hollywood Roosevelt, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 866.234.3378. afi.com
Los Angeles Coffee Festival
Nov. 9-11. The first-ever Los Angeles Coffee Festival aims to celebrate the burgeoning specialty coffee scene in L.A. Expect endless free coffee tastings, interactive workshops, demonstrations from world-class baristas, delicious street food, intoxicating coffee cocktails, live music, art and more. See website for schedule and ticket prices. Magic Box @ The Reef, 1933 S. Broadway, L.A. la-coffeefestival.com
Craftsman Weekend
Nov. 9-11. Pasadena Heritage presents its 27th annual Craftsman Weekend featuring house tours of notable Craftsman properties, along with bus and walking tours of the surrounding neighborhoods. Other events scheduled include a sale with 40+ exhibitors of antique and contemporary furniture and decorative arts. See website for schedule and ticket prices. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.441.6333. pasadenaheritage.org
Veterans Day Music Festival
Nov. 11. The Battleship Iowa Museum hosts a family-friendly day with live bands and DJs, food, drinks, vintage vehicles and more. A gun salute will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. (Active battle ended at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $19.95 GA, $11.95 ages 2-11, $9.95 seniors 62+. Free for all active, retired and reserve military with valid ID. 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, 877.446.9261. pacificbattleship.com
BOLD Holidays Beverly Hills
Starts Nov. 15. BOLD Holidays returns to Beverly Hills with extended shopping hours, live entertainment, art installations and more. Festivities begin with the Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration and continue Friday and Saturday evenings through the holiday season with performances, upscale food trucks and fireworks. See website for complete schedule of events and locations. 5-8 p.m. Free. lovebeverlyhills.com
The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
Opens Nov. 15. Skate among the skyscrapers at this ice-skating rink, which materializes every holiday season at Pershing Square. See website for hours, skate-session schedule and prices. 532 S. Olive St., L.A. holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
Burbank Winter Wine Walk
Nov. 17. Burbank kicks off the holiday season with a free Holiday Street Fair featuring vendors, live entertainment, holiday lighting and snowfall from 6:45-8 pm. The Winter Wine Walk offers samples from a roster of world-class wineries and breweries. Holiday Street Fair noon-8 p.m.; all ages, free. Winter Wine Walk 4-7 p.m.; 21+, tickets $50, Santa’s VIP Holiday Lounge $75. 301 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank. burbankwinterwinewalk.com
Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair
Nov. 17-18. Join Jackalope Arts for a unique, curated shopping experience featuring 200+ makers and designers of local handmade goods along with acoustic music performances and family-friendly activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Pasadena Central Park, 275 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. jackalopeartfair.com
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Opens Nov. 18. Descanso Gardens’ popular light show is an interactive, nighttime experience featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting installations. New dining options and a whiskey bar will be open nightly exclusively for ticket holders. See website for schedule and ticket prices. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge, 818.949.4200. enchantedla.com
“Quack”
Through Nov. 18. Having its world premiere here, this new comedy is about a daytime talk show host whose reputation is ruined by a take-down piece of journalism, exploring the fleeting nature of 21st-century fame. See website for show times and ticket prices. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Barnsdall Art and Craft Fair
Nov. 18. Just in time for some holiday shopping, Barnsdall Art Center hosts its popular Barnsdall Art and Craft Fair showcasing diverse work from the Art Center students and faculty including handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, cards, prints, paintings, drawings and photography. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. barnsdall.org
Thanksgiving at The Belvedere
Nov. 22. Celebrate Turkey Day with a three-course menu with starters including Butternut Squash Risotto, Creamed Corn Chowder, Roasted Cuyama Orchard Apples, and Chicken Liver Mousse. Move on to main courses with staples like Free Range Turkey with sage stuffing, pomegranate-roasted brussels sprouts and buttermilk mashed potatoes or standout options such as the Roasted Filet of Beef accompanied by celery root, Cipollini onions, and truffle. To satisfy that sweet tooth, enjoy an array of classic and contemporary holiday desserts. $142 per person and $65 for children 12 years old and under. The Belvedere, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.975.2736. peninsula.com
Thanksgiving Feast
Nov. 22. Enjoy a four-course menu including items like Roasted Mary’s Free Range Turkey Plate with “All the Fixins”, Sausage Apple Stuffing, Mashed Yams, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, and Gravy; Braised Wagyu Beef Short Ribs, Winter Truffle Jus, Mashed Potatoes, Glaze Baby Root Vegetables; and Pumpkin Pie with Vanilla Whipped Cream. Noon-8 p.m. $105 per person; $65 children. Saddle Peak Lodge, 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas, 818.222.3888. saddlepeaklodge.com
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Nov. 22. Spend Thanksgiving morning in downtown L.A., taking in a scenic 5K or 10K route through the area’s historic streets. The race starts at City Hall and takes runners past Grand Park and Walt Disney Concert Hall. There is also a Widdle Wobble 1K for kids. Proceeds benefit charity the Midnight Mission. 5K 8 a.m.; 10K 8:45 a.m.; Widdle Wobble 10 a.m. $15-$70. 200 N. Spring St., downtown, 310.821.7898. turkeytrot.la
The Hollywood Christmas Parade
Nov. 25. Welcome the holidays at this annual holiday parade, with a concert beforehand and celebrity grand marshal Nancy O’Dell. The procession winds through Hollywood and features floats, balloons, characters, marching bands and equestrians. Concert 5 p.m.; parade 6 p.m. Grandstand tickets $32-$85. The route starts on Hollywood Boulevard at Orange Drive and travels east to Vine Street, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard and west on Sunset, back to Orange, 866.727.2331. thehollywoodchristmasparade.org
“Dear Evan Hansen”
Through Nov. 25. The acclaimed Broadway hit—which won six Tonys, including for best musical—arrives in L.A. on its national tour. The personal and contemporary work follows high school senior Evan Hansen’s misguided attempt to fit in after the death of one of his classmates. See website for show times and ticket prices. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
“Come From Away”
Opens Nov. 28. This moving musical is set in the week following the 9/11 attacks and tells the true story of what transpired when 38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers were ordered to land unexpectedly in a small, welcoming town in Newfoundland. See website for show times and ticket prices. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
“Wicked”
Opens Nov. 28. The Broadway sensation is back by popular demand. Learn the untold story of the witches of Oz, the “wicked” Elphaba and good witch Glinda, in this smash-hit prequel to The Wizard of Oz. See website for show times and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
“Dixie’s Tupperware Party”
Opens Nov. 29. The hilarious off-Broadway one-woman comedy starring Dixie Longate as the fast-talking, gum chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. See website for show times and ticket prices. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Los Angeles Auto Show
Opens Nov. 30. One of the world’s largest auto shows and 1,000 vehicles return for comparison shopping cars, trucks, SUVs, electric vehicles and more without any sales pressure. Whether it’s new vehicle shopping, free test drives, experiencing the latest tech or exploring an assortment of customized rides and exotics, there is something for everyone. See website for show dates, hours and ticket prices. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., L.A., 310.444.1850. laautoshow.com
“Dear Evan Hansen” photo by Matthew Murphy.
